Official Packers Vs. Browns Game Day Thread

[Joemailman]

Aside from the fact that it's the first Packer game in 6 months, what are we watching for?

Left Guard: The only starting position battle on offense should be interesting. I'm hoping Lang takes control tonight.

ROLB: This is the best battle on the defense.

ST: Looking forward to Cobb returning punts. If Cribbs is playing, the Packers woeful (last Year) kickoff coverage units will get a good test.

TE: Looking forward to seeing D.J. Williams. Hoping MM makes Finley block a lot. :grin:

[CaptainKickass]

Obligatory game day post.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCcvKloTiik

[Joemailman]

Thanks Captain!

[pittstang5]

Anyone know who's sitting out tonight?

Heard Woodson and probably Finley.

[CaptainKickass]

http://blog.packers.com/2011/08/13/packers-browns-scratches/

Packers-Browns scratches
Posted by Duke Bobber on August 13, 2011 – 5:35 pm

The Packers have confirmed the following players will not suit up tonight: Swain, Woodson, Underwood, House, Shields, Brandian Ross, Briggs, Chris Donaldson, Adrian Battles and Chris Campbell. Tramon Williams is suiting up, which helps answer the CB question for tonight. It also means other question marks, like Finley and Alex Green, are suiting up.

Not suiting up for the Browns tonight: WR Mohamed Massaquoi, WR Carlton Mitchell, DB Eric Hagg, DB Usama Young, RB Montario Hardesty, LB Chris Gocong, and DL Jabari Fletcher.

[pittstang5]

Damn! Corner depth will be tested. Bush, Lee and whoever else are going to see alot of playing time.

[vince]

- Flynn and Harrell - It was ugly at times in practice with both of these guys, mostly because various linemen wern't adjusting their protection to cover blitzers but also because they locked onto their primary receivers and forced ill-advised passes at times.

- Cobb at receiver.

- Pat Lee, Jarrett Bush, Gordy, et al.

[VegasPackFan]

ALRIGHT!! Ready to go.

[VegasPackFan]

I wanna see Grant and Starks this preseason. Very interesting situation as I dont know if we have had two viable starters in that position for awhile.

[easy cheesy]

It may only be preseason, and it may be against the Browns.... but DAYUM!!!! It is sooooooo nice to see the Pack again! Football's back!!!! ***sigh*** Go Pack Go!

[pbmax]

Loved hearing the theme song on the radio coverage 20 minutes ago. :D

[pbmax]

Cobb on KO return, Grant starts

[pbmax]

Obligatory game day post.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCcvKloTiik

WOOOOOOOO!

[VegasPackFan]

CLE Defense already intimidated!! LOL

[pbmax]

Sherrod stats at LG. Quarless starts at TE with Finley out.

[pbmax]

Packers facing the 1996 Packers scheme with Holmgren influenced WCO and former DB coach Jauron installing a 4-3.

And as usual, offense looks out of sync early. Starks is 3rd down back.

[pittstang5]

Boy, that was weak.

[pbmax]

how did 4 packers all whiff on the punt returner? No one touched him and went right by

[VegasPackFan]

I thought Finley was playing today

[pbmax]

Zombo starts at ROLB

[pbmax]

I thought Finley was playing today

Apparently not. Maybe game time decision?

[pbmax]

Graphic has Neal and Walden starting, but Harlan said Zombo was in first play

[pittstang5]

how did 4 packers all whiff on the punt returner? No one touched him and went right by

Yeah...wtf

[pbmax]

Lee on inside coverage.

[pbmax]

Neal with nice shoestring I think

[pbmax]

Bush and Zombo both bit hard on play action to D right

[pbmax]

Where is everyone>?

[pittstang5]

I'm here

[pbmax]

Bishop WAY too high and should have made a hit

[easy cheesy]

I'm here

Me too! :)

[easy cheesy]

Holy Crap! 27 yards and in... JHC...

[VegasPackFan]

Cribbs looking like a real starting WR this year.

[pittstang5]

Wow. Pat Lee sucks

[pbmax]

Same story with Bush. he was right there and no idea when to look for ball. Cribbs did good job not tipping it, but Bush never saw the pass until it was in his hands,

[Teamcheez1]

Is anyone trying to watch this on the NFL Network? All I am getting is a replay of the Ravens/Eagles game.

[easy cheesy]

Is anyone trying to watch this on the NFL Network? All I am getting is a replay of the Ravens/Eagles game.

I am watching it on NFL Network... Direct TV... channel 212

[VegasPackFan]

Watchng on NFL Network right now.....

[pittstang5]

Is anyone trying to watch this on the NFL Network? All I am getting is a replay of the Ravens/Eagles game.

yeah, I have the Packers on NFL Network. That's weird.

[pittstang5]

Ok...can we move the ball please

[rdanomly]

Lang in at LG this drive

[VegasPackFan]

Starks - gining them 2nd and mid distance twice.

[pbmax]

Lang in at LG and on second play whiffed on the LB who made the tackle on Starks run. Still gained 6-7 yards.

Starks looks fine.

[pbmax]

DD 43 yards on scrambling throw

[VegasPackFan]

DD!!!

[imscott72]

Nice running throw to DD.

[pbmax]

Quarless with two catches, one well contested.

[imscott72]

Lang in at LG and on second play whiffed on the LB who made the tackle on Starks run. Still gained 6-7 yards.

Starks looks fine.

Sherrod only one series?

[VegasPackFan]

Starks ding a good job picking up 4-6 yds per carry on first down.

[Packman_26]

That's more like it.

[pbmax]

Boy, that looked better.

[pittstang5]

Good Drive.

[VegasPackFan]

I think ARod has telepathy with DD and GJ.

[imscott72]

Nice grab 85..

[pittstang5]

Now, with the extra 5 yards...will Crosby kick it out of the endzone?

[pbmax]

Sherrod only one series?

McCarthy/Philbin/Campen have alternated series before. More likely now esp if both those guys take over for LT with Newhouse. Gives them film with true first team around them.

[pbmax]

Burnett with nice hit while Raji held him up.

[Packman_26]

Looks like Burnett isn't afraid of contact like some reports have suggested.

[pbmax]

Another nice play by Burnett on bad D call.

[VegasPackFan]

Burnette 2 good plays in a row

[pbmax]

KO returns look much better. Punt returns still look like a tire fire.

[pittstang5]

Likes like Burnett isn't afraid of contact like some reports have suggested.

Read that too.

[pbmax]

Read that too.

Mostly it was comparing his rookie work with Peprah. Peprah has mainly physical play to recommend him. Burnett can do many other things.

[pbmax]

Grant back in.

[pbmax]

They are running two TE with one RB and two WR. Anyone see who is second TE after Quarless?

[pittstang5]

Whos RG and RT

[imscott72]

Well that didn't work..Newhouse..Ugh..

[pbmax]

Newhouse at RT? He completely whiffed.

[pbmax]

They are running two TE with one RB and two WR. Anyone see who is second TE after Quarless?

Crabtree, seems to be.

[Packman_26]

They are running two TE with one RB and two WR. Anyone see who is second TE after Quarless?

Crabtree was the other TE that play

[VegasPackFan]

Has Grant had a rush attempt yet?

[pbmax]

Nance in as 3rd down back. Jones with a chance but not much of one.

[Packman_26]

I hope Dom blitzes the piss out of them after this drive. Fairs fair.

[pbmax]

I am coming to the conclusion that the lack of contact is killing the Packers special teams tackling.

[pbmax]

Francois is in.

[pittstang5]

Punt return units...I know what they are working on tomorrow - tackling

[Packman_26]

I dream of the day that the first player to make contact with the returner actually brings him down.

[pbmax]

I hope Dom blitzes the piss out of them after this drive. Fairs fair.

On the plus side, Packers picked most of it up. The one true jailbreak was on the RT- Newhouse.

[imscott72]

I am coming to the conclusion that the lack of contact is killing the Packers special teams tackling.

Yep. Very poor tackling so far..

[pittstang5]

why was walden covering on that play. Where was the safety?

[pbmax]

No pass rush and blown coverage by Walden, maybe?

On previous play, Walden did nothing on pass rush against Thomas.

[pbmax]

DJ Smith nowhere near ball on 2 pt conversion.

[Packman_26]

I'll tell you what, I hope Cleveland leaves their starters in as long as possible. The score of this game doesn't matter. The tape it creates definitely does.

[pbmax]

why was walden covering on that play. Where was the safety?

Likely zone and he has shorter area. But either he did not alter the route or had no help over top.

[pbmax]

Jones in for Matthews, I think.

[pittstang5]

DJ Smith nowhere near ball on 2 pt conversion.

Huh?

[Packman_26]

Smithson just try the old fake hamstring injury move?

[pbmax]

I will say this, 5 yard minimum start on KOffs is still giving KO return a fighting chance. Might not be as much touchbacks as anticipated.

McDonald in game and right side O line just plowed a path for four yards. That was fun.

[imscott72]

Nice to see Grant get a carry..

[pbmax]

Grant, Kuhn and DJ Williams in. GRant has at least 2 rushes now.

[pbmax]

Lang at LT? Newhouse at RT? Did I miss something from Thursday?

[imscott72]

I will say this, 5 yard minimum start on KOffs is still giving KO return a fighting chance. Might not be as much touchbacks as anticipated.



Looks like guys are content to come out 4-5 yards deep. Wasn't the case last year.

[pbmax]

Nice route and throw for Jones

[Packman_26]

I wish we could have seen DJ Williams with the first team a little bit.

[imscott72]

Lang at LT? Newhouse at RT? Did I miss something from Thursday?

Musical line. Nothing new with this staff..

[pbmax]

Huh?

He was in at ILB and was nowhere near the finish of the run. He was 3 yards deep in endzone watching

[pittstang5]

He was in at ILB and was nowhere near the finish of the run. He was 3 yards deep in endzone watching

I'm questioning the 2 pt conversion...when was that or am I watching a different game.

[pbmax]

Musical line. Nothing new with this staff..

Odd on 2nd team though that practice habits wouldn't hold.

Sherrod at LG, Slauderhauff at RG. Nice run after a typical Packer screen play where first defender makes tackle.

[gbgary]

ok...the wife's shopping caused me to miss nearly an hour of the game. how can the cleveland f'n browns be leading the game? how can they go right down the field on their first drive and score? surely no starters are playing!?

[pbmax]

Kuhn now gets shot at 3rd down back. Nice catch by Cobb and very nice throw by Flynn.

Newhouse still at RT.

[pbmax]

ok...the wife's shopping caused me to miss nearly an hour of the game. how can the cleveland f'n browns be leading the game? how can they go right down the field on their first drive and score? surely no starters are playing!?

Lots of D starters, esp in secondary are out. No Woodson. Lots of Lee and Bush.

[Packman_26]

ok...the wife's shopping caused me to miss nearly an hour of the game. how can the cleveland f'n browns be leading the game? how can they go right down the field on their first drive and score? surely no starters are playing!?

Not many in the secondary.

[pittstang5]

ok...the wife's shopping caused me to miss nearly an hour of the game. how can the cleveland f'n browns be leading the game? how can they go right down the field on their first drive and score? surely no starters are playing!?

Woodson out, don't think Tramon was on the field or nowhere near where McCoy was throwing the ball. Pat Lee and Bush suck.

[pbmax]

I'm questioning the 2 pt conversion...when was that or am I watching a different game.

Whoops, you are right. I thought the TE scored the TD on his catch. Must have missed the PAT. Thought the TD run was a 2 pointer. Sorry.

[gbgary]

Lots of D starters, esp in secondary are out. No Woodson. Lots of Lee and Bush.


Not many in the secondary.

whew!

[pbmax]

Crosby splits it very nicely.

[pittstang5]

Woodson out, don't think Tramon was on the field or nowhere near where McCoy was throwing the ball. Pat Lee and Bush suck.


Oh and Shields, House and Ross out too.

[pbmax]

Oh and Shields, House and Ross out too.

That said, coverage was there several times. Not much pass rush at all.

[pbmax]

Crosby nine point five yards deep. Nice. ST seem at least a step ahead of last year and the Browns.

[gbgary]

Woodson out, don't think Tramon was on the field or nowhere near where McCoy was throwing the ball. Pat Lee and Bush suck.

hopin' the dreaded sb hangover wasn't in play. lol

[Packman_26]

Anyone else having trouble getting back into the commercial, kick of,f commercial swing of things?

[AtlPackFan]

ok...the wife's shopping caused me to miss nearly an hour of the game. how can the cleveland f'n browns be leading the game? how can they go right down the field on their first drive and score? surely no starters are playing!?

Very vanilla D I think. Not that it should matter

[MJZiggy]

Oh and Shields, House and Ross out too.

Sounds like most of last season. So what's the problem?

[pittstang5]

Crosby nine point five yards deep. Nice. ST seem at least a step ahead of last year and the Browns.

Yes, but they still brought it out and made it to the 20. I know I'm asking for a lot, but he should have been drilled around the 10 or 15.

[gbgary]

don't think chuck will allow an sb hangover to occur.

[AtlPackFan]

Not much shake from Shaky! :-)

[pittstang5]

I guess that punt had good hang time. I'd like to see what Cobb and Smithson can do when they don't have defenders breathing on them when they catch a punt.

[pittstang5]

Let's see what Flynn can do in the 2 min drill. 3 timeouts too.

[imscott72]

Sherrod at LT in 2 min drill..Lang at LG

[TravisWilliams23]

Punt rush is nonexistent. Last time the Packers blocked a punt was Sept 29, 2003.

[pittstang5]

Wow. If he's playing to start somewhere...you're not going to get it doing that.

[imscott72]

Cobb!!!

[pbmax]

Yes, but they still brought it out and made it to the 20. I know I'm asking for a lot, but he should have been drilled around the 10 or 15.

No, coverage is still leaky on kickoffs. But the kick was right where you want it.

Sherrod two nice pass blocks but then loses his guy to an inside move.

[pittstang5]

NICE COBB NICE!

[pbmax]

On first play of this drive Flynn pulled an old Aaron move and waited WAY too long around the pocket trying to make a play.

[imscott72]

Whoa, loving me some Cobb right now..

[VegasPackFan]

Cobb looking pretty damn good

[pbmax]

That screen was better.

[gbgary]

love what i've seen from cobb so far. it's the first i've seen of him since i pay 0 attention to college fb.

[pittstang5]

At least the reports about Cobb are true...kids gonna be good....very good.

[pbmax]

Hit Borel right in the hands.

[gbgary]

massive drop. he's gone.

[pittstang5]

On first play of this drive Flynn pulled an old Aaron move and waited WAY too long around the pocket trying to make a play.


Yep, he had plenty of time and should have thrown it away if nothing was there.

[pbmax]

And Borel makes up for it. Now goalline for M3.

[gbgary]

good catch. he's back.

[imscott72]

Flynn is looking solid with his throws..

[pittstang5]

Nice...now run it in.

[pbmax]

I love the deflection off a WR to the TE play!

FRANKENBACKER IS BACK!

[gbgary]

frankintd

[pittstang5]

OMG! HAVNER can't be stopped, he just finds ways to score!

[imscott72]

Nice for Frankenbacker..:lol:

[Joemailman]

Frankenbacker is a TD machine!

[pbmax]

Its going to be hard deciding if a 27 yard return that gives them possession at the 20 is acceptable or plain poor. I think its poor, but starting at the 20 is no easy thing,.

[pbmax]

Frankenbacker is a TD machine!

Ball magnets in his hands.

[pittstang5]

1st half impressions:

Cobb looks great.

1st team offense looked good

Flynn - up and down

Secondary...not so good, but a lot of starters are out.

No pass rush....by design or what?

[gbgary]

1st half impressions:

Cobb looks great.

1st team offense looked good

Flynn - up and down

Secondary...not so good, but a lot of starters are out.

No pass rush....by design or what?


mostly up.

[Packgator]

13 Packers with a reception in the first half. Wonder if that's some sort of record?

[pbmax]

Well, that looked better.

[pittstang5]

Well, that looked better.

KO? yes

[pittstang5]

There's the BJack we know....whole lota shake and no bake.

[pittstang5]

anyone catch them giving GB the 3 points

[gbgary]

new rule? opponents get a fg and we get the points? i like it.

[pbmax]

Harrell's arm looked adequate there, on an overflow to Cobb.

[pbmax]

NIce throw on a slant.

[pbmax]

No hesitation for Harrell to throw. Nice quick decision on throw to DJ Williams

[pbmax]

RB, no idea which, nice blitz pickup but Harrell throw off back foot on retreat and receiver had given up on going deep

[AtlPackFan]

Nice grab by Williams

[pbmax]

QJ got a hat on the LB, but Nance was slow to hole.

[pittstang5]

Who Whiffed on that?

[imscott72]

Lang/Williams..

[pbmax]

Nice blitz. Lang and Sherrod both blocked DE crashing inside and missed the OLB blitzing in the hole.

[MJZiggy]

Someone's not going to enjoy watching film this week...

[pbmax]

Lang/Williams..

Nope, you were right. LT and TE had the assignments and the TE blocked inside and missed the LB coming wide.

[Fred's Slacks]

That's disapointing. Give up a blind side smear with an 8 man protection? That will have to get cleaned up.

[pittstang5]

It's a shame Graham had a nice little drive going there.

[pittstang5]

Nope, you were right. LT and TE had the assignments and the TE blocked inside and missed the LB coming wide.

Rewound using DVR and saw it again. Williams went inside, leaving the backdoor wide open.

[AtlPackFan]

The announcers said that Williams needed work on his blocking. Guess they were right.

[TravisWilliams23]

Cobb is much better return man than Shakey.

[Fred's Slacks]

No Alex Green tonight?

[pittstang5]

No Alex Green tonight?

Nope..ankle I think.

[pbmax]

The announcers said that Williams needed work on his blocking. Guess they were right.

Yep, and I wonder if that was part of a blown protection call/read. TE lined up as H back/FB you wouldn't expect to chip a DE inside but he went right for him. Really odd play.

[TravisWilliams23]

Referees must have their 2nd string in too. Miss the hold by db on 3rd down.

[pbmax]

Good lord Pat Lee. What a whiff. Nice play for that blitz.

[pittstang5]

Pat Lee is not making a case to stay on this roster

[pittstang5]

Nice play

[imscott72]

I thought that was Al Harris there making that pick... :lol:

[pbmax]

Lang back at tackle.

[pbmax]

Newhouse is giving up the edge while at RT. Multiple times.

[pittstang5]

what the hell was that

[pbmax]

That was payback for the blitz on Harrell I bet.

[pittstang5]

Not bad return

[pittstang5]

Really? Supposed to go forwards, not backwards.

[Teamcheez1]

Is there anything to be excited about in the second half so far? It looks to me like a bunch of guys who will be sending out resumes by the end of this month.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

We have a good punter.

[pittstang5]

Is there anything to be excited about in the second half so far? It looks to me like a bunch of guys who will be sending out resumes by the end of this month.

Someone had a nice pick...can't remember who, but it was nice.

[pittstang5]

and there's another pick.....nice!

[gbgary]

shakey for the first down???

[pittstang5]

shakey for the first down???

challenge. looked like he may have boobled it a buit.

[pittstang5]

Shakey has been shaky tonight....not in a good way.

[Teamcheez1]

Is Saine good enough to stick on the practice squad? He's played reasonably well tonight.

[pittstang5]

Go for it!

[gbgary]

ugh

[pittstang5]

Really?!? Come on!!

[AtlPackFan]

What happened. Lost my dish feed!

[TravisWilliams23]

Your watching 3rd string NFL 4th quarter preseason football at it's best.

[pittstang5]

What happened. Lost my dish feed!

Botched snap on 4th and goal at about the 2 yard line.

[Packman_26]

Fumbled snap. Rushed throw caught by shaky and tackled. Turnover on downs.

[AtlPackFan]

Never mind Dish is back. Yuck

[pbmax]

Nickel personnel on 2nd and 10 and they ran right through it for 8

[pbmax]

Another lost contain on the left side this time.

[Teamcheez1]

This game will give McCarthy plenty of ammunition to get this team focused.

[AtlPackFan]

This game will give McCarthy plenty of ammunition to get this team focused.

And then some...

[pbmax]

Nicely read by Elmore but then he got outrun. Welcome to NFL speed Ricky.

[AtlPackFan]

Gesus! Contain!!!

[Guiness]

lol @ end around.

Or was that a reverse? HH? Anyone?

[TravisWilliams23]

Should be easy to sneak a lot of these players onto the practice squad with their performance tonight.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Not much to take out of this game. Nothing really surprising......Without Woodson and Shields are secondary looks like crap. Lee and Bush both looked lost still. That was the most disappointing part of this game for me.

[Packman_26]

Wow Gurley, wow.

[gbgary]

gurley at tightend. just what we need...another tightend.

[pittstang5]

Not much to take out of this game. Nothing really surprising......Without Woodson and Shields are secondary looks like crap. Lee and Bush both looked lost still. That was the most disappointing part of this game for me.

Yeah, me too. I really wanted to see Lee turn that corner...he.............he.....ah, who cares.

[gbgary]

let's get a td and go for two.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Yeah, me too. I really wanted to see Lee turn that corner...he.............he.....ah, who cares.

Did House play today? I don't remember seeing him out there.

[gbgary]

oh well.

[Teamcheez1]

Not much to take out of this game. Nothing really surprising......Without Woodson and Shields are secondary looks like crap. Lee and Bush both looked lost still. That was the most disappointing part of this game for me.

We read all of the press about how much Bush has improved this year. I don't buy it. He looks about the same to me, an average corner whose main contributions will be on special teams.

[pittstang5]

that sucked...harrell sacked and loses the football again.

[pbmax]

Did House play today? I don't remember seeing him out there.

No, he did not.

[Harlan Huckleby]

House didn't play.

I didn't watch the 2nd half so closely, but I followed Sherrod like a nervous parent, and he played great. pbmax detected a flub, I see in thread, but I didn't catch it.

What happened to Newhouse!? Several breakdowns.

Quinn Johnson stinks. Cut him and keep another tight end.

Our two running backs look excellent.

Will be painful to see Matt Flynn leave G.B. They grow up so quickly, then they are gone (sniffle)

Cobb, what a great addition to the team! Comparison to Jennings is apt. Cobb might be just as valuable given Pack finally has a returner.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

We read all of the press about how much Bush has improved this year. I don't buy it. He looks about the same to me, an average corner whose main contributions will be on special teams.

Agreed. I hate Bush on defense. He is a good sp. teams player, but does he really play that well on sp. teams to keep winning a roster spot? I would not be upset at all if we cut him. I was dissappointed in Lee's play the most because I was hoping to would develop into a good nickel/dime back for us.

[Harlan Huckleby]

oh ya, I've not been a Zombo fan, but he looks like a different player this year. Much more athletic. I guess he will win the job.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Agreed. I hate Bush on defense. He is a good sp. teams player, but does he really play that well on sp. teams to keep winning a roster spot? I would not be upset at all if we cut him. I was dissappointed in Lee's play the most because I was hoping to would develop into a good nickel/dime back for us.

I saw Bush make a lot of plays, and one badly missed tackle. Maybe he sucked in the 2nd half when my mind was drifting.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

House didn't play.

I didn't watch the 2nd half so closely, but I followed Sherrod like a nervous parent, and he played great. pbmax detected a flub, I see in thread, but I didn't catch it.

What happened to Newhouse!? Several breakdowns.

Quinn Johnson stinks. Cut him and keep another tight end.

Our two running backs look excellent.

Will be painful to see Matt Flynn leave G.B. They grow up so quickly, then they are gone (sniffle)

Cobb, what a great addition to the team! Comparison to Jennings is apt. Cobb might be just as valuable given Pack finally has a returner.

Agreed with just about everything. The biggest positive I took away from this game was that Matt Flynn has developed into a pretty good player.

[AtlPackFan]

I realize this is just the first preseason game but it didn't look like the starting front 3 was getting any pressure at all. Am I missing something? Is TT going to regret letting Jenkins get away.

[Joemailman]

I realize this is just the first preseason game but it didn't look like the starting front 3 was getting any pressure at all. Am I missing something? Is TT going to regret letting Jenkins get away.

I'm not concerned. They obviously wanted to take a long look at Lee and Bush. Therefore, getting pressure was not a big priority, since you can judge coverage better when there is not a lot of pressure.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

I realize this is just the first preseason game but it didn't look like the starting front 3 was getting any pressure at all. Am I missing something? Is TT going to regret letting Jenkins get away.

Interesting question. Neal flashed a couple times during the game, Raji looks to be improving every year, and Pickett is still a good player. Other than those three however I don't see a lot of potential. I completely understand letting Jenkins go, but unless we stay healthy in the front seven most of the year we may be lacking in the pass rush department. We might need to make a trade for another decent d lineman in the upcoming weeks.

[Joemailman]

Link if people want to listen to postgame. http://players.jbgmedia.com/WTMJ/player.html

[Teamcheez1]

I'm not concerned. They obviously wanted to take a long look at Lee and Bush. Therefore, getting pressure was not a big priority, since you can judge coverage better when there is not a lot of pressure.

I just re-watched the first two drives (for TD's) by the Browns, and Bush and Lee were beaten easily by Colt McCoy. Now, that doesn't mean that actual game planning wouldn't change/improve their coverage and responsibilities, however as pure corners, I wouldn't be very comfortable with their long term viability.

[AtlPackFan]

IMHO, any CB on an island is going to fail with no QB pressure. I don't remember McCoy having to move once. I'm not a Lee Or J. Bush fan but It just looked like McCoy had all day. Again, not a football guru so I miss things and expect you all to correct my misconceptions! :-)

[mission]

I saw Bush make a lot of plays, and one badly missed tackle. Maybe he sucked in the 2nd half when my mind was drifting.

When you say "make a lot of plays" -- do you mean he made a lot of tackles on guys that he allowed to catch the ball?

[mission]

Is Saine good enough to stick on the practice squad? He's played reasonably well tonight.

I could see that. He's really not too bad.

[mission]

Randoms:

- Nance has no burst.
- Saine is better than he is, especially as a pass catcher. Decent power for a "speed" guy.
- Cobb is the real deal. Great in space. Doesn't hesitate.
- Is Starks the lead man now? Grant was in with Flynn. (good choice)
- Rodgers couldn't have thrown that TD to Jennings any better
- Sherrod looked solid in pass pro. The pseudo-sack he gave up was half the fault of scramble-happy QB.
- Pat Lee just looks lost at the professional level. Decent physical skills but doesn't have any feel for ball.
- Bush is back to being Bush. 1.5 steps behind everyone. We've seen his ceiling.
- Morgan Burnett actually looked physical. Thought that was supposed to be his weakness.
- Josh Gordy is really fast with good instincts. Has a chance as longshot.
- Harrell would have looked a lot better without half the clowns on the OL. Made some nice throws.
- Flynn still looks to scramble after 1st-2nd read.
- Elmore might not make the team. Looks lost, not explosive.
- Lawrence Guy and D'soto (sp?) were disruptive at times
- Ryan Taylor definitely makes the team
- DJ Williams looks slow but flashed his hands.
- Shaky Smithson is slow as hell. Has no chance to make this team or even practice squad IMO. Rough night for kid.
- DJ Smith is also not the fastest but seems to have a good feel for the game. I think he'll provide good depth at ILB.
- If Mike Neal plays the whole year he could have close to 10 sacks.
- Sam Shields is very important to this team. Right now don't have a 4th CB we can count on. (most teams don't, but our expectations are higher)

Arguments?

[RashanGary]

I like your write up, Mission.


Neither starting LG had much trouble. We'll have to keep an eye on that over the next few weeks. Hopefully we come out with a good starting 5 and a good backup or two.

[mission]

Neither starting LG had much trouble. We'll have to keep an eye on that over the next few weeks. Hopefully we come out with a good starting 5 and a good backup or two.

Agreed. Starting line should be solid once it builds some continuity with the new guard. Sherrod will definitely play at this level and I like Lang inside. He's a little more rough outside at tackle but that's to be expected. I don't really care what happens here as long as one of them actually wins/takes the job. Newhouse looked bad at RT.

[red]

bush is just as horrible as always. we've been saying for 3 years now. if you want to keep him for special team, fine, but keep his ass away from the defense.

lee, looked maybe even worse

lets hope devon house turns out to be a player because we only have 3 cb's on the roster right now besides him

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

I kind of like Lang over Sherrod at guard. If something happens to Clifton during the season I would rather have Sherrod take his spot.

Still, the offense has a couple question marks:

- Will Clifton hold up for the whole year?
- Who is going to start at FB? Johnson looked bad tonight.
- Who is going to handle third down pass blocking?
- How will the offense function with Finley back?
- Who else can we rely on as a back up on the oline other than Lang/Sherrod (who ever loses)?

Defense:

- I love Woodson, Williams, and Shields, but after that I don't like the CB's. Bush hasn't got better and Lee looked bad. I really hope House comes out and suprises us.
- I like what I saw in Burnett. I feel good with Peprah as the back-up. That Levine guy didn't look to bad either.
- Like Hawk and Bishop starting. I think Jones could be a decent backup ILB. I didn't like Jones at OLB. I would rather see Zombo or Walden starting.
- Dline: the weakest area of the team. Raji is a great player. Pickett is a great run defender, but can't rush the passer. Neal flashed a couple times, but can he stay healthy? I don't really like anyone else. Wish we had another decent player we could count on in there. I honestly believe TT will suprise people and make a trade in a couple weeks.

Sp. teams:

- Look much improved.
- Cobb is just a natural return man. Looks like a player already.
- Masthay is the most UNDER rated player on the whole team. I honestly believe he is a pro bowler.
- New rule plus Crosby's leg will help the kick return unit significantly. And Masthay will help the punt return unit.

[RashanGary]

Josh Gordy had a nice INT where he undercut that route. It seems so trivial, I know, that's how interceptions look, but he had the wherewithal and confidence to play to his leverage and jump the route. You look at Bush, Underwood and Lee. They never jump routes (well except for the one time Bush did that in the SB) but every other time today and everyday, they trail and tackle. This guy jumped the route.

Brandian Ross is another young corner with skills. He didn't play today, but he's an athlete. His college coach said he was a coach on the field. He knows how to play to leverage. I think he's a guy who could pick it up fast too. He had the pick in family night.

I wouldn't be surprised if we went with Ross and Gordy in place of Underwood and Lee. Bush stays as the last CB and ST's star.

[Lurker64]

I wouldn't be surprised if we went with Ross and Gordy in place of Underwood and Lee. Bush stays as the last CB and ST's star.

I would. They moved Underwood to Safety, so if he wants to make the roster he's competing for that fourth S spot. I think that Ross and Gordy are both competing for that #6 CB spot, and the only way they both make the roster is if House comes back a hot mess. Woodson, Williams, Shields, House, and Bush are pretty much assured CB spots. As bad as Bush is as a DB, he really shouldn't be expected to play much considering how little dime we play.

[rbaloha1]

Lee has poor ball skills. Bush is best at blitzing and playing zones. JB still make me nervous..

Capers is not showing the blitz packages and personnel groupings.

[Harlan Huckleby]

When you say "make a lot of plays" -- do you mean he made a lot of tackles on guys that he allowed to catch the ball?

fuck you. Ya, just fucka you.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Randoms:

- Nance has no burst.
- Saine is better than he is, especially as a pass catcher. Decent power for a "speed" guy.
- Cobb is the real deal. Great in space. Doesn't hesitate.
- Is Starks the lead man now? Grant was in with Flynn. (good choice)
- Rodgers couldn't have thrown that TD to Jennings any better
- Sherrod looked solid in pass pro. The pseudo-sack he gave up was half the fault of scramble-happy QB.
- Pat Lee just looks lost at the professional level. Decent physical skills but doesn't have any feel for ball.
- Bush is back to being Bush. 1.5 steps behind everyone. We've seen his ceiling.
- Morgan Burnett actually looked physical. Thought that was supposed to be his weakness.
- Josh Gordy is really fast with good instincts. Has a chance as longshot.
- Harrell would have looked a lot better without half the clowns on the OL. Made some nice throws.
- Flynn still looks to scramble after 1st-2nd read.
- Elmore might not make the team. Looks lost, not explosive.
- Lawrence Guy and D'soto (sp?) were disruptive at times
- Ryan Taylor definitely makes the team
- DJ Williams looks slow but flashed his hands.
- Shaky Smithson is slow as hell. Has no chance to make this team or even practice squad IMO. Rough night for kid.
- DJ Smith is also not the fastest but seems to have a good feel for the game. I think he'll provide good depth at ILB.
- If Mike Neal plays the whole year he could have close to 10 sacks.
- Sam Shields is very important to this team. Right now don't have a 4th CB we can count on. (most teams don't, but our expectations are higher)

Arguments?

good points all, especially on the QBs

[Harlan Huckleby]

I kind of like Lang over Sherrod at guard. If something happens to Clifton during the season I would rather have Sherrod take his spot.
I think Newhouse's poor showing does give Sherrod an opening to be the #2 LT. Let Newhouse hone his skills at RT. I'm not sure the Lang-Sherrod battle at LG has been impacted.

[RashanGary]

I think Newhouse's poor showing does give Sherrod an opening to be the #2 LT. Let Newhouse hone his skills at RT. I'm not sure the Lang-Sherrod battle at LG has been impacted.

I agree. Keep Lang and Sherrod on the left side. They both looked solid at both spots. McDonald played well. He could be C/RG backup. We need a RT/RG type. That's the open spot. I'm hoping Newhouse can put it together. Then there is space for a developmental guy. Maybe someone who's not on our radar.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

Clifton has one more year tops in him and its been said Sherrod is more natural at tackle so it would make sense to just focus on getting him ready to play there. Lang didn't look lost yesterday so hopefully he will be at least as good as Colledge (which shouldn't be extremely hard). I also like Wells-Sitton-Bulaga on the right side.

Starks looks better than Grant, but I don't really like either as the third down back. Hopefully Green can play that role for us or I think you will see a lot of Kuhn standing next to Rodgers on 3rd and "longs."

[rbaloha1]

Clifton has one more year tops in him and its been said Sherrod is more natural at tackle so it would make sense to just focus on getting him ready to play there. Lang didn't look lost yesterday so hopefully he will be at least as good as Colledge (which shouldn't be extremely hard). I also like Wells-Sitton-Bulaga on the right side.

Starks looks better than Grant, but I don't really like either as the third down back. Hopefully Green can play that role for us or I think you will see a lot of Kuhn standing next to Rodgers on 3rd and "longs."

Agreed -- Cliffy always looks wounded and ready to fall down. Still recovers well. Sherrod should just focus on lt since its unlikely Cliffy can play entire games.

Lang is much better than Colledge -- finishes blocks well.

Green is the wildcard -- expect him to win the 3rd down back position.

[rbaloha1]

I think Newhouse's poor showing does give Sherrod an opening to be the #2 LT. Let Newhouse hone his skills at RT. I'm not sure the Lang-Sherrod battle at LG has been impacted.

IMO Newhouse played well -- beat once if I recall correctly. Recovers well with smooth footwork. Newhouse will be fine once he receives more reps on the right side.